“School choice is the civil rights issue of our time.”   AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the passage of Senate Bill 3 – School Choice, by Senator Larry Taylor, (R – Friendswood). Senate Bill 3 will establish Education Savings Accounts and a Tax Credit Scholarship program in Texas. “School… Read more »

AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the passage of Senate Bill 28 – the Texas Port Expansion Act, by Senator Brandon Creighton, (R – Conroe). The bill passed with a unanimous vote. “Texas ports serve as gateways to the state economy creating nearly 1.6 million jobs for Texans and representing… Read more »

AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the passage of Senate Bill 30 – Educate and Inform – The Community Safety Act, by Senator Royce West, (D – Dallas) and Senator John Whitmire, (D – Houston): “SB 30 directs the State Board of Education and the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement… Read more »

“On this day, in this body, on this budget, we are united and speaking with one voice.”   AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following Senate passage of Committee Substitute Senate Bill (CSSB) 1: “I am proud to announce that the Texas Senate passed CSSB 1 – the 2018-2019 budget for… Read more »

AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the passage of Senate Bill 16 – License to Carry Fee Reform, by Senator Robert Nichols, (R – Jacksonville): “Texas currently has one of the highest license to carry fees in the country. I’m proud that SB 16, which will make lawful carry more… Read more »

AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the passage of Senate Bill 20 – Pro-Life Insurance Act, by Senator Larry Taylor, (R – Friendswood): “Texans should never be forced to violate their conscience by paying for someone else’s decision to end an innocent life. SB 20 will prohibit certain health care… Read more »

AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the passage of Committee Substitute Senate Bill (CSSB) 1 out of the Senate Finance Committee: “I commend Chairman Jane Nelson and the members of the Senate Finance Committee which passed out CSSB 1 this morning with a 15-0 bi-partisan vote. This budget fully funds… Read more »

AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the passage of Senate Bill 17 – Franchise Tax Reduction, by Senator Jane Nelson, (R – Flower Mound): “During the 2015 Legislative Session we reduced the franchise tax by 25% – a major cut, saving Texas businesses nearly $2.5 billion dollars. This year, despite… Read more »

AUSTIN – Lt. Governor Patrick issued this statement today following the passage of Senate Bill 8 – the Pre-Born Protection and Dignity Act, by Senator Charles Schwertner (R – Georgetown): “Texans count on us to ensure that the sanctity and dignity of life is protected. In the wake of discovering the notorious Planned Parenthood videos… Read more »

AUSTIN – Lt. Governor Patrick issued this statement today following the passage of Senate Bill 6, the Texas Privacy Act, by Senator Lois Kolkhorst (R – Brenham): “The people of Texas elected us to stand by our principles and uphold conservative values. The Texas Privacy Act reflects common decency and common sense and is essential… Read more »